Study of Sargramostim in Patients With COVID-19

The purpose of this research is to find out if a drug (sargramostim) also known as Leukine® could help patient recover faster from COVID-19. Sargramostim may help the lungs recover from the effects of COVID-19, and this research study will help to find this out.

This Phase 2 study is designed as a proof of concept study and will randomize 2:1 approximately 120 patients with COVID-19 associated acute hypoxemia: of which 80 patients will receive sargramostim plus standard of care, and 40 patients who will receive standard of care alone. The aim of the study is to determine if inhaled sargramostim, as an adjunct to institutional standard of care, improves clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19-associated acute hypoxemia. All patients on the sargramostim arm will be treated with 125 mcg inhaled sargramostim twice daily for 5 days, in addition to institutional standard of care. If required, upon progression to an invasive mechanical ventilator, administration of sargramostim may be delivered by intravenous infusion to complete a total of 5 days (including days delivered via inhalation). GM-CSF is a critical cytokine for healthy pulmonary function and is necessary for the maturation and maintenance of alveolar macrophages. Preclinical studies have shown GM-CSF confers resistance to influenza by enhancing innate immune mechanisms that depend on alveolar macrophages for their health and normal functioning. Clinical studies of sargramostim in patients with severe sepsis and respiratory dysfunction or acute respiratory distress syndrome have shown improvements in oxygenation and lung compliance.